Since the Phoenix Magazine was first launched we have endeavoured to present articles about the local history of the New Deal for Community area and have been pleasantly surprised at the responses to our items. There is no doubt that many people are very interested in the places where they live and what has taken place there in the past. In our estates, Moulsecoomb, Whitehawk, Saunders Park, Manor Farm and Bates Estate there are historical things of interest that residents like to read about and we will continue to present these things in the future.

The Whitehawk estate for instance, which was officially opened in 1934 was built in the vicinity of an historical site of some importance, namely the Neolithic (Stone Age) causeway camp, a settlement which existed several thousand years ago. However at this time what I have concerned myself with is the more modern history of our estates. To this end I have just published a book: HOLY OAK, which is a history of the Whitehawk estate from 1934 to 1974 up to the time of the massive redevelopment that took place around twenty years ago.

My book portrays how we lived on these working class estates as well as how that fitted in with the kind of lives that working class people lived throughout the whole country in those times. The book deals in some small way, with the poverty that was experienced and the way that people survived the hard times; as well as how the community seemed to be closer together. I have also tried to lay out how and why estates like Whitehawk and Moulsecoomb came about in the first place, as well as how the machinations of government affected the housing situation then.

There have already been two books published about Moulsecoomb but up until now there has never been any books about Whitehawk. My hope is that in the not too distant future we will see more books about all parts of the NDC area by the ordinary people that live there. The proceeds of this book, which was funded through the NDC Community Chest, will be used to start a movement throughout the area to encourage interest in Local History. There are many people interested in the past and a great deal of enjoyment can be gained in learning about our roots.

HOLY OAK by Fred Netley is published by Phoenix Community News and costs £4.50. It is available from the Wellsbourne Centre, Whitehawk Road, Brighton. Telephone 01273 291 018.

One of the books about Moulsecoomb is still available: MOULSECOOMB MEMORIES by Sheila Winter, published by Queenspark Books, 49 Grand Parade, BN2 2QA. Tel: 01273 571 710 and costs £3 (or £2.50 if you mention Phoenix Community News).